General Care Discussion :: Multiple Turtles? Why?

[Take-One]

Now, I've had a single cat and cat pairs before, and I can definitely say there is a difference between them. My first cat was by herself her whole life, and she was fine, she had 4 people to love her. But when she passed away, we got a pair of cats and there was such a difference. They interacted (and had plenty of alone time too), and when one of the pair passed away, the other one's entire life was shattered. She is still alive and fine, but she hasn't been the same since the other one died. After having a pair of cats, my mom and I both said that we would never have a single cat again, since they seem so happy.

So when I moved out, I got a pair of cats. They both have individual personalities, they have both claimed one of the two humans as their pets, but they still spend time sleeping and grooming together. When one is locked up for "time out" (sadly one of the only ways to get through to her that she's been bad), the other sits dutifully outside the door waiting for her. Sure, they occasionally fight, but nothing serious or harmful, usually just chasing around.

However, I know that there is a difference between reptiles and mammals. My turtle doesn't want to be cuddled or played with or anything really but fed, so I don't worry about lavishing him with lots of love and affection. Don't get me wrong, I love him, but I don't know if he knows or cares what that is. So he's more of a show my affection by keeping him fed and his tank clean kind of thing. My cats, on the other hand, can't make it more than a few hours without coming over and reminding me that they need attention.

When I get a house (someday, hopefully soon!), my husband and I plan on getting probably 4 dogs to add to the family. I know dogs need more attention, but even I told my husband that if I got a dog, I would demand a pair, so that at the very least, they have one another. I'm not at the point of being a horder, just yet!

My friend had two cats named Oscar and Felix. They needed to be within 5 feet of each other or they would be pretty depressed. When they were six mouths old Oscar died from some weird skin disease. Felix was SUPER depressed. Then they go other cat Oreo. Oreo was a kitten. And the really don't get along. Felix, this is about a year later is still depressed.

[Tiny]

Mikee and Zoo-

I get the no emotion part. They don't have that part of the brain. The mammalian layer is what gives emotion and problem solving.

But does this mean no personality? Does no emotion = No personality?

I believe Turtles do have personalities. I guess only those with multiples might see the change in such when a new one is added.

Again thanks for conversation and engaging with me in this soooo deep discussion

[PcBuilder14]

I have to disagree with some of that, because all turtles act completely different. All turtles have certain additudes toward things. Because some turtles like things that others don't.

[mikee]

Any change in behavior is from biological needs not any emotional needs. For instants, a turtle acts differently when he is full or hungry or wants some attention from the opposite sex.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Well, even if you look at it from a human standpoint, if you took a human who had no social interaction (say a hobo of sorts) and threw them into a room with people, they are going to probably freak out. I find that my own personality changes depending on who I'm spending time with. At work I am much more reserved and watch what I say. With friends, I'm more outgoing and willing to speak my mind.

I think that if you add an additional turtle to an established turtle, it's going to depend on a few factors: environment, resources, individual personalities. You may have success adding one turtle to your tank and both turtles get along and thrive, then add another and the two who were fine together are suddenly fighting. I don't know if you could call it biological needs or psychological needs or what.

It's just like having other pets. I don't honestly know if my cats love me. I know the one cat knows I'm the food source, like my turtle. I don't know if cats are capable of human love. Heck, I'm not even sure most humans are capable of real love.

[packfan1]

How about ignorance or the fact that one more often sees mutliples of one type of pet around others. Go to a pet store and do you usually see only one turtle? I have yet at my local pet stores. You see something and believe two would be nice to have a friend around when I am not here. I am one of those stupid ignorant people and was unknowledgable about the eventual aggression situation I am now facing with three turtles. Two bought at the same time and one a week later. All from the same group at the pet store.
It is why I have left posts about this issue and recommended to others thinking about getting a second turtle about this issues they most likely will face. It had nothing to do about personalities, just wanting a more than one at that time. Hind sight is 20/20 but I would never do this again to any pet! If I get others, I will research much better than what I did this time.

[Tiny]

Ok now i'm gathering that even though we don't consider personality when adding more turtles, it does kinda come into play.

So some of us do feel that the little buggers do have personalities.

I find this so interesting and wonder if those who have multiples can see differences in personalities between within the group. Aside from physical features could you tell which turtle is which by personality/attitude/behavior?

[Raphulk]

haha well hmm when i had my turtles live with my 2 neighbors turtles i could tell which one was theirs and mine without their physical description..

their ybs was way more shy than the RES. he didnt eat like a pig as my RES do haha..

thats about it though, they were only young too so i dont know if adult and young mean diff personality

[Dein211]

well here is my two cents.

a turtle has a brain and as limited as its "emotions" are i don't believe they are completely lacking. for instance, turtles feel fear and anger and while it might not be as defined as ours its a primitive form of it. all creatures have this if they didn't they wouldn't be able to survive. as to personality, what really defines that anyway? likes and dislikes? the way something or someone behaves? its uniqueness against others of its own kind? just like no human is the same, no creature ( mamal or non) is the same due to its internal wireing and experiances that it has had throughout its life.

i will say this, i think that the lower you go in the food chain the less defined "personality" one would have. thats not to say that it doesnt exist but thats not to really say that it exists in every living thing.

personally i like to think my turtle has a personality or more of a personality than my Froug or my goldfish.

i appologize if this post went into any circles or doesnt make much sence :p just writing whats on my mind!

[lms4]

Do you think my female turtle would like a roommate?

[Raphulk]

Do you think my female turtle would like a roommate?

not to be rude, but i dont think she cares.
pet owners may feel like their turtles are lonely, but in almost all cases they are not. plus feeding and taking care for double the work can become a hassle, and you may have to separate them when they get older anyways.

[lms4]

Good to know....I felt sorry for her in there all alone. I just wanted other opinions as to whether she knew she was alone or cared. I got her from a neighbor that had her for about a year (bought her on Spring Break in FL) and was tired of taking care of her. I wouldn't have known how to get her a buddy as the sell of turtles is illegal in TN.